Earlier this year we found the modular Moto Z to be a fresh, if niche, take on the smartphone. It looks like accessory-maker Mophie drew a little inspiration from Lenovo's flagship, with its new Hold Force cases that give the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus some modular moxie of their own.
It isn't quite as elegant or versatile as the Moto Z's integrated approach, but if you like the idea of modularity but would rather drink drano than switch from iOS to Android, snapping a case onto your iPhone that transforms it into the Moto's distant cousin ain't a bad place to start. As you might imagine, Mophie's Hold Force snaps onto the phone like any other case you'd use for standard protection, but if you buy an add-on accessory you can customize the case to your needs.
At launch there are three add-on options: a 4,000 mAh battery (the star of the show), folio case or wallet for stashing your credit cards. Hidden magnets hold one of the accessories on, so all you have to do is hold it near the back of the base case to snap it into place.
In theory at least, this ticks the same big box as the Moto Z's battery packs: slim phone when that's what you want, bulkier battery beast when that's what your needs require. You do miss out on the Moto's integrated-into-the-phone approach (no case required), but if you want to keep your phone protected while adding modularity, Mophie's method could end up making at least as much sense.
One big caveat, though, is that wire and Lightning connector you see protruding in the image at the top of this article. That's something you don't have to worry about on the Moto Z, as it has connector coils built into the phone itself to prevent such sloppiness.
The base Hold Force case costs US$40, while the battery add-on runs an extra $60 (equalling the $100 that Mophie's battery cases usually ring up for anyway). The wallet and folio add-ons will add another $20 each.
All the accessories are available to order now from the product page below.
Product page: Mophie
